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Congressman Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, has been appointed to the House Armed Services and Homeland Security committees.

Owens said the committee assignments will allow him to advocate for important North Country issues - Fort Drum and the northern border with Canada.

He said Ford Drum is critical to both national security and the region's economy.

"I will do everything in my power to maintain and strengthen Fort Drum as a member of Congress, and as a member of the Armed Services Committee I will fight tirelessly for the base, the surrounding community and for our entire district, all who benefit from Fort Drum's presence," Owens said in a news release.

Former Rep. John McHugh, who resigned his congressional seat to become Army Secretary, had served as the ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee, which is responsible for funding and oversight over the Department of Defense, the various branches of the military and military installations.

The Homeland Security committee has jurisdiction over the development of the Department of Homeland Security, including issues ranging from border and port security to emergency preparedness and infrastructure protection.

"As someone with experience helping bring Canadian companies to Clinton County, I understand how important the border we share with our neighbors to the north means to our local economy," Owens said. "A seat on the committee on Homeland Security will help us to utilize the border in a way that best benefits our community while protecting the safety and security of our citizens."

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Contact Chris Knight at 891-2600 ext. 24 or cknight@adirondackdailyenterprise.com.